As with each coming birthday (this one is 56)  I become deeply reflective, nostalgic and contemplative on my life to this point. Make no mistake, I am not sensing my mortality (there is a whole lot more life to live!) … 

but I am highly sensitive to time. 

I want to make the most of it. I do not want to waste any more of it. I want to be purposeful and focused with every second. That may not be possible, but I can try. 

That does not mean hustling and bustling every moment, but more of a conscious recognition and enjoyment of each moment. Like recently, getting to spend time with my grandchildren.  Fun moments that bring me true joy.

Slowing down enough to soak in those moments is important, and for “hard to sit still, always on the go” me, that is an accomplishment! 

Sure, I have done a lot in the first 56 years, but I have also wasted a lot of time. In looking back, I recognize that most of the time wasted was me getting pulled into other people’s lives, drama, ideas, visions and agendas. I am not talking about being social and having fun. It’s all the other stuff…I think you know what I mean. 

What I realize is that anytime I veer off my path, my passions and my purpose, I waste time. I also understand that there were times I did not recognize I was being pulled off course. The only way that could happen is not knowing myself well enough to see the warning signs that I was about to take a dangerous detour. 

Have you ever taken a detour? 

Some of those detours cost us days, some cost us weeks, and yes, some cost us years. We then spend double or triple the energy trying to, as the Beatles said, “Get Back to Where You Belong”. 

Who are you? 

Answering that question is the surest way to guarantee you do not get pulled off your path again. That means knowing your values, goals, likes and dislikes – the entire you. 

Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?” Bob Marley  

I am using my countdown to 56 to re-evaluate who I am, what my values are, what I like and don’t like and what I am truly committed to doing the rest of my life. The more fiercely protective I am of being true to myself, the more I can accomplish. 

That doesn’t mean I lock people out of my life. It means I draw in the people who are connected to me in purpose and passion. We enrich each other’s lives, mutually. I make better choices which means wasting less of the precious commodity and the gift of time. 

As you become more clear about who you really are, you’ll be better able to decide what is best for you – the first time around.” Oprah Winfrey 

I invite you to reassess with me. The next few days we are going to define, refine and align our lives in such a way that we will do more than we ever thought possible. The first question you must ask, and answer… 

Who are you?